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incredulous

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkre-jə-ləs How to pronounce incredulous (audio)
Definition of incredulousnext
1
as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims incredulous by nature, I'm of course very suspicious of anyone who claims to be able to communicate with the dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incredible
too extraordinary or improbable to believe an incredulous account of alien abduction that the tabloids had a field day with

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incredulous When provided with the county’s explanation, Johnson was incredulous. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 On several occasions throughout the game, Lakers players were incredulous after calls – or non-calls – from the crew. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 On several occasions, Lakers players were incredulous after calls — or no-calls — from the crew. — ABC News, 8 May 2026 His comments prompted jeers and incredulous laughs. — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incredulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incredulous
  1. skeptical
  2. incredible
  3. suspicious
  4. unlikely
  5. cautious
  6. impossible
  7. disbelieving
  8. unbelievable
Adjective
  • Ellison, for his part, promised to release a minimum of 30 films per year theatrically, though many in the industry remain skeptical about how long the company can sustain that level of production.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some seemed skeptical as the men performed the rainmaking ritual.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • But Crow-Armstrong, through an incredible early-season approach adjustment combined with tweaks to his stance and hand placement, keeps putting on a show with his power production.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • With stunning use of practical effects and an incredible lead performance, this is one of the best horror films of the 2020s.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of incredible
Adjective
  • Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and report the activity to local law enforcement, police said.
    — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Other issues Allen's attorneys are expected to argue before the appeals court are inconsistencies in how witnesses described the suspicious man near the trail, pointing to a sketch of a potential suspect that didn't look like Allen.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Critics of Prop 40 have also warned California’s levy is unlikely to be a one-time deal, and the letter sees a similar levy on billionaires elsewhere.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Thrifted clothes have become an unlikely fashion flex for Hollywood’s haute couture hoarders and other trend-setters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of unlikely
Adjective
  • Before deciding someone is reckless or overly cautious, look at what each of you is actually trying to protect.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Markets still are developing despite cautious interest Even as perennial grain development steadily improves and more farmers sign on to grow it, there still are issues with consumer interest, federal support and research infrastructure.
    — Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • That shot was impossible because the camera kept losing everybody.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Massive disruptions and price instability are forcing businesses to make impossible decisions.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of impossible
Adjective
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner's character Ray Kinsella.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • During one scene, Scherrman appears for a few seconds as the catcher in a game interrupted by Timothy Busfield, the disbelieving brother-in-law of Kevin Costner’s character Ray Kinsella.
    — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disbelieving
Adjective
  • That second half is unbelievable to find a way to come out with a win.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
  • If college is defined by unbelievable disasters that become lifelong stories, then this singular tale of friendship is forged in the aftermath of connecting through a very public mistake.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of unbelievable

Browse Nearby Words

incredulity
incredulous
incredulously
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Cite this Entry

“Incredulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incredulous. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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